Damocles, Sword of

Damocles was a member of the court of Dionysius, ruler of the Sicilian
city of Syracuse during the 300s
B
.
C
. According to a legend passed on by the Roman writer Cicero, Damocles
told Dionysius how much he envied his kingly wealth, power, and happiness.
In response, Dionysius invited Damocles to come to a magnificent banquet.

imminent
about to take place; threatening

Damocles was seated before a marvelous feast, when he happened to glance
up in horror. Above his head hung a sharp sword, suspended by nothing more
than a single thread. In this way, Dionysius showed Damocles that a
ruler's life may appear grand, but it is filled with uncertainty and
danger. The "sword of Damocles" has thus come to symbolize
imminent
danger.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article, ask questions, or add new information about this topic: